KFS dismisses assault claims, says officers acted in self-defence during patrol

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has dismissed as misleading social media claims alleging that its officers unlawfully assaulted a man during an operation in Elgeyo Marakwet County, saying the incident involved a lawful arrest attempt that was violently resisted by the suspect.

In a statement on Monday, KFS said the allegations relate to an incident that occurred on December 22, 2025, at around 10:54 am within Chepyemit Beat, Cheptongei Forest Station.

The Service clarified that contrary to online claims, the matter was formally documented and reported at Chepyemit Police Station under Occurrence Book (OB) number 12/22/12/25.

“The Kenya Forest Service strongly refutes misleading and inaccurate allegations circulating on social media claiming that its officers unlawfully assaulted Bernard Kiplagat Tarus, alias ‘Kishoto’,” the statement said.

According to KFS, officers on routine forest protection patrol encountered an adult male who was allegedly actively engaged in the illegal felling of indigenous trees within a gazetted State forest.

The activity, KFS alleged, was intended for charcoal production and constitutes an offence under Section 64 of the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016.

“During a routine forest protection patrol, KFS officers encountered an adult male actively engaged in the illegal felling of indigenous trees inside a gazetted State forest,” the Service stated.

KFS said that when officers attempted to carry out a lawful arrest, the suspect allegedly violently resisted, armed himself with a panga, and attempted to attack a forest ranger.

The ranger responded using what the Service described as reasonable force in lawful self-defence.

“The ranger responded using reasonable force in lawful self-defence to neutralise the imminent threat,” the statement claimed, adding that any injuries sustained were “a direct consequence of the suspect’s violent resistance.”

The Service further rejected claims that the suspect was assaulted or abandoned after the incident.

It said officers immediately rendered assistance and facilitated his evacuation to Iten Teaching and Referral Hospital for medical attention.

“Contrary to claims circulating online, the suspect was neither assaulted nor abandoned,” KFS said.

Illegal tools recovered at the scene included a panga, an axe and a saw, which were preserved as exhibits. The suspect later identified himself as Bernard Kiplagat.

KFS emphasised that under Section 63 of the Penal Code, assaulting or resisting a public officer in the lawful execution of duty is a criminal offence.

It noted that forest rangers are legally recognised as public officers empowered to conduct lawful arrests within gazetted forest areas.

“The law does not permit violent resistance to arrest,” the statement said, adding that injuries arising from such resistance are attributable to the offender’s own unlawful conduct.

The Service also warned against what it termed “trial by social media,” saying it undermines due process and the rule of law.

KFS said any investigations related to the incident fall under the mandate of the National Police Service and relevant oversight bodies, with which it will fully cooperate.

“KFS officers are mandated to protect public forest resources on behalf of all Kenyans and are entitled to defend themselves when threatened in the course of duty,” the statement said.

KFS reaffirmed its commitment to forest conservation, the safety of its officers, and strict observance of the law and human rights in the execution of its mandate.